Bell amendment would codify 'right to work' status

It might be down the list on the November ballot, but a state constitutional amendment solidifying Virgnia's status as a right-to-work state is hardly low profile.

The amendment was proposed by local House District 20 Del. Dickie Bell, R-Staunton, who has been working on passing the amendment since he took office in 2010.

Bell's amendment has the backing of both the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business. Those organizations, along with Bell and most Republicans, maintain that Virginia's right-to-work status is a plus in the state's efforts to recruit business and new industry.